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Thiel 1.6's or Quad 22L's ? Opinions Please.

I've pretty much decided to stay away from planers for my music listening tastes(electric blues.classic rock) my short list if the Thiel 1.6's and Quad 22L's. I'd like some opinions on these 2 choices. Current amp is a Rotel 1070 integrated and cd is soon to arrive Cary 308. I like a dynamic, lively sound-not quite Klipsch lively though.
Thanks,
Beernut
128x128beernut
beernut's avatar
beernut OP
295 posts
 
That's interesting. I guess the rotel is considered bright sounding. However, I hear the Thiels need lots of power to sound good an are not an easy load for many amps. Opinions? I'm also considering a sterling pair of 2.2's on 'Gon.
Beernut
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
Beer...you hit the nail on the head...the Quads have a very live, dynamic sound...with amazing bass(I always like kevlar cone bass)...for your music choices...you will be very happy...I had a pair of 12ls a couple of years ago...good luck...
theprieb
2 posts
 
I have Thiels 1.6 with Stingray(50 watts tube). Plenty of power as the Thiels are 92 db. Used Rotel for a while and it was fine but I like the soundstage bettter with the Stingray. Most 'audiophiles' always claim that Thiels are bright and need lots of power. This is not true with the small 1.6. Very good speakers.
Craig
falp
6 posts
 
Also take a look at the new Monitor Audio RS6...!
glai's avatar
glai
446 posts
 
I have Thiel 2.4 & 1.6 in HT. I use rotel 1080 for 1.6 as rear channel but I have hooked it up to drive 2.4. Rotel 1080 (200W per channel into 8ohm, ?W into 4ohm) is enough power for both 2.4 & 1.6. The combo is not bright when fed directly from a Wadia 302. Rotel 1080 is good sound for $600 used. I would not write off the combo.

My 2 channel sys have tube amp driving Avalon and I like warm sound. Rotel with Thiel IMHO not bright. I have owned JM lab Be and B&W signatures which are brighter than Thiel. Thiel is dryer in the midrange than Quad, not brighter.

IMHO, Thiels has a slightly recessed and dry midrange relative to bass and treble. Most people like a little hump at 60-100Hz but treble is exposed by the midrange.

It does not make them bad speakers. All speakers are compromises especially at this price. I own and like Thiel. I have no axe to grind. I would like to share with you the strength and weakness of my speakers. 92 db is sensitive but THiel has low impedance. I am not sure 1070 is OK with 3-4 ohm load. 1080 is more power for not much more dough. THiel image better than Quads. Both are lively and dynamic. I think there are more potential with Thiel. Quad is more balanced. If you like quad, try 21 instead of 22
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